Diagnosis of prostatitis: basic and additional techniques

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Symptoms and signs of inflammation of the prostate gland are not always clearly expressed; moreover, they can “speak” of other pathologies. Diagnosis of prostatitis allows you to accurately recognize the disease in a man, determine the form, type and etiology of inflammation.

How to determine prostatitis in men: methods available in the clinic

Any occurrence of discomfort, itching, burning in the lower part, or urination problems is a reason to go to a urologist to clarify the diagnosis and receive an individual treatment regimen. In the process, you will have to go through a number of measures that provide the most accurate diagnosis.

History taking

Identifying any disease always begins with collecting an anamnesis. The urologist asks questions and asks the patient to describe the external signs that brought him to the medical facility.

The dialogue may cover the following topics:

• Duration of feeling unwell;
• The first appearance of symptoms, the presumed cause of their occurrence, the development of signs;
• Are there any sexually transmitted diseases?
• Level of physical activity, general lifestyle;
• Previous history of inflammation of the prostate gland;
• Features of sexual life;
• Diseases suffered by the man's sexual partner;
• Chronic diseases of the patient himself.

Based on the answers, the doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis, to confirm which additional examinations should be performed.

Analyzes

Disruption of the prostate gland affects the activity of the entire genitourinary system. Accordingly, it is necessary to take many measures, which include the diagnosis of prostatitis. Tests are the first and main step on the path to recovery.

If inflammation of the prostate gland is suspected, the following complex is prescribed:

• General blood test - informs about inflammation or its absence;
• Blood test for hormones - as a result, the current hormonal levels are determined;
• Blood test for tumor markers (including PSA) - indicated in cases of suspected tumor, allows you to determine its nature;
• General urine test - reflects the amount of protein that is absent in the urine of healthy people;
• Bakposev - makes it possible to determine the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, confirms or refutes the bacterial nature of the disease;
• Blood cytology test – provides information about pathological cancer cells (if any);
• Spermogram - helps to assess the presence of inflammatory processes in the organs of the reproductive system and find out how much fertility has been affected;
• A smear from the urethra is an unpleasant procedure for a man; it is necessary to clarify the state of the microflora and the presence of microorganisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases.

IMPORTANT: it is not necessary to take every test. The choice (must be made by a doctor: urologist or andrologist) depends on the specific situation and individual characteristics of the patient.

Rectal examination

Suspected inflammation of the prostate gland is an indication for rectal diagnosis. Before the manipulation, a microenema is given to cleanse the intestines.

During the process, the doctor determines:

• Size of the glandular organ and its parts;
• Possible soreness;
• Swelling;
• Availability of seals.

Sometimes the pain can radiate to the genitals, tailbone or groin area.

Study of prostate secretion

Additionally, it is necessary to obtain a sample of prostatic secretion, which is released when the glandular organ is stimulated. In case of acute inflammation, the rectal examination procedure is very painful, but necessary.

The biomaterial is applied to laboratory glass and sent for research to obtain information about the characteristics of prostatitis. Samples are stained and examined under a high magnification microscope. This helps determine the number of white blood cells and lecithin grains.

Studying prostate secretions is a method used in combination with others, since changes in indicators do not 100% indicate prostatitis, and obtaining results indicating that the patient is healthy, on the contrary, is sometimes caused by the location of inflammatory foci or closure of the ducts.

Urodynamic examination

Prescribed for:

• High volume of residual urine after bowel movement;
• Reduced flow rate;
• Obstructive urination.

The method helps to identify problems with the functioning of the bladder and assess the degree of urethral patency. This method is also used in combination, as it helps to obtain additional information about urinary dysfunction, but does not precisely localize the location of the dysfunction.

Ultrasound diagnostics

An obligatory step in diagnosing prostatitis is ultrasound or TRUS diagnostics. The ultrasound examination procedure helps to identify:

• Density and structure of the glandular organ;
• Prostate size;
• Possible neoplasms.

There are several ways to do it:

• External (through the perineum or peritoneal wall);
• Insertion of the sensor through the urethra;
• Examination through the rectum.

Transrectal ultrasound is one of the most informative methods and is performed using a small sensor inserted into the rectum. This form provides identification of suppurations and abscesses, a complete check of the condition of the testes and intestinal tract. IMPORTANT: rectal administration is excluded in case of cracks in the anus, rash or hemorrhoids.

Ultrasound diagnostics is indicated in the following cases:

• In case of acute bacterial infection to exclude abscesses or to determine the reasons for the ineffectiveness of antibiotic therapy;
• Pathological changes in the structure of the organ;
• Suspicion of malignant formations after palpation of the gland;
• To exclude stones in the prostate;
• Painful ejaculation - to clarify the presence or absence of cysts and obstruction in the seminal ducts.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is a method that helps to examine in detail the glandular organ, bladder and urethra from the inside. It is carried out by introducing a probe equipped with a camera into the canal. Thus, the doctor examines the condition of the internal organs using images on the screen.

If there are appropriate indications, a biopsy is combined with cystoscopy - taking tissue samples. If you are diagnosed with prostatitis, this procedure is not mandatory and is only necessary if there are elevated levels in the test results for PSA (prostate-specific antigen).

Biopsy

During cystoscopy, a fragment of tissue cells is often taken by puncturing the rectum or perineum with a needle and sent for biopsy.

There are 2 types of laboratory tests possible:

• Cytological – effective for diagnosing tumors at an early stage;
• Histological – required for a diagnosed neoplasm (to determine the number of cells and their benignity/malignancy).

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the most accurate research methods today. It is important to know that this procedure is excluded in the presence of metal structures inside the body, as well as tattoos made with inks containing metal particles. Before the procedure, all metal objects must be removed.

During the examination it is possible:

• Determine the contents of the prostate;
• Get additional information about the condition of the testes and lymph nodes;
• Identify abscesses, inflammation, benign and malignant tissue growths.

The accuracy of the procedure helps to identify serious diseases at an early stage, which increases the chance of recovery. Additionally, the following diagnostic methods can be prescribed to increase the information content of the study:

• Coil procedure. It involves inserting a wire into the anus, protected by a latex sheath. The thinness and flexibility of the device helps to bring it as close as possible to the prostate gland. Despite the discomfort from this type of MRI, the effectiveness of the study increases significantly;
• Injection of contrast agent. It enters the body after intravenous injection (or oral use) and provides visual separation of healthy and diseased tissues, which are clearly visible on the tomograph;
• Simultaneous spectrogram recording. Allows you to determine the structure of prostatic tissues as accurately as possible.

Also, in some cases, CT (computed tomography) or PET/CT (positron emission computed tomography) of the prostate is prescribed, however, in the absence of suspicion of the presence of tumors, their use is inappropriate, since “prostatitis” can be determined using other tests and techniques.

Diagnosis of prostatitis at home

Self-determination of prostatitis is not an accurate diagnosis and can only suggest the presence of the disease in a man.

If you notice any suspicious symptoms, you should immediately contact the clinic to conduct a professional set of tests.

Online test

Online testing is a fairly effective way to find out whether you should see a doctor immediately. The questionnaire consists of 4 blocks:

• Soreness and discomfort;
• Symptoms when urinating;
• Quality of sexual life;
• Impact of symptoms on daily activities.

Based on the results, the number of points is calculated. They are divided into 3 groups: satisfactory condition, moderate and severe. If you fall into the “average” category for at least one block, you should schedule a visit to the urologist as quickly as possible.

Chronic prostatitis can be asymptomatic or the signs are blurred; accordingly, a specialized test has been developed to identify the sluggish form of the disease.

It consists of 15 questions and involves choosing one of several answer options or rating a particular symptom on a scale.

After filling out all the columns, the results are processed automatically, and the man is provided with information about the likelihood of having the disease.

Accordingly, if there is even a slight possibility that you are suffering from an illness, it is recommended to consult a specialist as soon as possible.

Other options

The primary diagnosis of prostatitis in men can be carried out at home. First of all, it is an attentive attitude to one’s own state of health and highlighting disturbing symptoms.

Signs based on which you should make an appointment with a urologist:

• Frequent urge to empty the bladder;
• Pain during urination;
• The need to strain to pass urine;
• Weak, intermittent stream;
• Feeling that the bladder is full even after going to the toilet;
• Difficulty achieving an erection;
• Decreased sexual desire on an emotional level;
• Inability to conceive a child;
• Premature ejaculation;
• Discomfortable sensations during ejaculation;
• Pain in the tailbone, perineum or groin area;
• Increased pain during defecation.

In addition, in the presence of a bacterial infection, an increase in body temperature is likely up to 39 degrees, and the pain syndrome is expressed clearly. Congestive prostatitis can be suggested by a feeling of pressure in the intestines and a particularly frequent urge to urinate during sleep.

There is another way to determine the inflammatory process in the prostate gland yourself:

• You need to prepare 3 sterile jars;
• Urinate in each one in turn, without stopping;
• The presence of turbidity in both the first and third containers is highly likely to indicate prostatitis;
• Cloudy urine in the first jar indicates infectious inflammation in the urethral canal;
• Completely clean urine indicates the health of the genitourinary system.

Inflammation of the prostate gland is a serious disease, self-diagnosis is only the first step towards identifying the disease. Any of the listed symptoms is a signal to visit a doctor and undergo clinical trials. Without timely drug treatment, prostatitis worsens, provokes complications and poses a danger to a man’s overall health.

Source: https://MalePotency.ru/diagnostika-prostatita-u-muzhchin.html

Diagnosis of prostatitis: modern methods and features

• August 31, 2018
• Prostatitis
• Ekaterina Komisarova

In the modern world, men are faced with various ailments that require immediate treatment. Prostatitis (diagnosis and treatment of the disease will be described in detail in this article) is a very common phenomenon experienced by a large number of men, regardless of age category. Like any other pathology, inflammation of the prostate gland is much more treatable in the early stages, so it is very important to identify it in a timely manner. Fortunately, the level of development of modern medicine is quite high, and there are many accurate, effective and informative laboratory research methods, so doctors are able to determine the presence of a disease even when it is in its infancy and immediately select the optimal treatment. In the article we will understand the clinical manifestations of the pathology, learn the main methods for diagnosing prostatitis and consider modern methods of therapy.

Main factors in the development of prostatitis

Let's look at this in more detail. There are quite a few causes of prostate inflammation. Diagnostics will help to identify the disease in a timely manner. It is worth noting that the most common cause is pathogenic microorganisms that penetrate the prostate gland through the urethra.

Other commonly encountered risk factors and prerequisites include the following:

• sedentary lifestyle;
• irregular sexual intercourse;
• hypothermia of the internal organs of the pelvic area;
• previous STDs;
• bad habits;
• poor nutrition;
• hormonal disbalance;
• decreased immunity;
• circulatory disorders;
• mechanical damage to soft tissues and some organs.

All of the above factors significantly increase the risk of inflammation or the development of congestive processes, which impair the functioning of the prostate gland and create all the prerequisites for the development of various prostate diseases. Diagnostics includes a set of measures aimed at confirming the presence of the disease and a general assessment of the patient’s health status. What it might be like will be discussed a little later.

Symptoms of inflammatory lesions of the prostate gland

What should you pay attention to first? Before we talk about how prostatitis is diagnosed, it is necessary to understand the main clinical manifestations that accompany this disease. It is immediately worth noting that the nature and intensity of symptoms depends on the stage and severity of the pathology. In the earliest stages, in most cases, inflammation does not make itself felt in any way, so it is very difficult to identify it on your own.

As the disease progresses, a person begins to experience:

• difficulty urinating;
• decreased sexual function;
• pain and burning in the urethra;
• frequent urge to go to the toilet;
• uncharacteristic discharge from the urethra;
• foreign impurities and flakes in the urine;
• premature ejaculation;
• fatigue even when performing simple physical tasks;
• depressed mental state.

Based on all these symptoms, prostatitis can be diagnosed at home. However, you must understand that only a qualified specialist can confirm or deny the presence of any problems based on the results of certain laboratory tests.

Consequences of the disease

You should familiarize yourself with them first. Diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis in men must be timely, since if no measures are taken over a long period, there is a high probability of developing various serious complications.

The most terrible of them are the following:

• impotence;
• infertility;
• severe pain and discomfort in the groin area;
• mental disorders;
• disruption of the urinary system;
• development of cancer.

All complications are very serious, so every person should know how to diagnose prostatitis in men. After all, if treatment is not started in time, then a representative of the stronger half of humanity will no longer be able to continue to live normally. As statistics show, many families break up due to a decrease in potency, so you cannot be indifferent to your health.

What do laboratory tests give doctors?

Diagnosis of the prostate is very important because, as noted earlier, it allows you to determine the presence of any diseases at the earliest stages. However, this is not all.

It is also prescribed for the purpose of:

• confirm or refute the presence of pathology;
• establish its etiology;
• determine the type of disease;
• classify its stage;
• choose the most effective therapy.

Diagnosis of prostatitis (tests on how to determine the presence of the disease with high accuracy will be described in detail in subsequent sections) is carried out in stages in accordance with a certain algorithm.

First of all, the patient needs to be examined by a urologist. The doctor makes a general examination of the patient and performs palpation. Next, a referral is issued for certain laboratory tests.

Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Oral interview with the patient

Diagnosis of the prostate in men always begins with a medical history, which is necessary to collect primary data about the problem.

In this case, the profiled specialist is interested in the following information:

• how long the patient has been feeling unwell;
• the presence of pain and its location;
• Is urination difficult?
• are there any problems with potency;
• patient's lifestyle;
• state of immunity;
• presence of sexually transmitted diseases;
• previous pathologies of the genitourinary system.

In addition, the doctor should ask the patient about his sexual partner. If there is no constant, then you may also need to be examined for sexually transmitted diseases, which very often are a catalyst for inflammatory damage to the prostate gland.

Based on the data obtained, the urologist draws up a preliminary clinical picture of the patient’s health condition. After this, the study of pathology begins, which is carried out using various methods.

Primary examination

Where in Moscow is prostatitis diagnosed? The clinic, opened back in 1995, accepts absolutely all patients; we are talking about the private medical institution “On Clinic”. You can also contact the Best Clinic, the ABC of Health medical center, etc. Diagnosis of pathology is always carried out comprehensively. This is the only way doctors can really assess the patient’s health status in order to then select the most optimal and effective treatment program. The first step is palpation. In the presence of an inflammatory process, the prostate gland increases in size. This can be detected during physical palpation of the patient’s body.

The profiled specialist also receives the following information:

• degree of prostate enlargement;
• heterogeneity of soft tissue structure;
• compaction, which may be a sign of a malignant tumor;
• is the inflammation accompanied by a purulent process;
• gland shape;
• Is palpation accompanied by pain?

After the doctor has a detailed clinical picture of the patient, he decides which laboratory testing methods to prescribe. Now let's look at them in more detail.

Basic laboratory research methods

Diagnosis of prostatitis these days is highly accurate and informative.

Each patient must undergo the following:

1. Laboratory examination. Allows the urologist to determine the nature of the pathological process and its cause, as well as the general health of the patient. It involves donating blood, urine and semen for a general analysis.
2. Ultrasound. The most common way doctors can visually look at the prostate gland or any other internal organ and determine its shape, size and structure. If after an ultrasound examination the urologist still has any questions or needs additional information, then the transrectal method is used. A special device equipped with a camera is inserted into the patient’s rectum, which makes it possible to detect absolutely any ailment even at an early stage.

As a rule, these two methods are enough to assess the patient’s health status and select the optimal treatment program. However, if prostatitis is accompanied by concomitant diseases, then consultation with other specialists may be required, as well as other tests.

Additional laboratory methods

What makes them special? To make a more accurate diagnosis, specialized specialists require a huge amount of data about the patient, so many modern methods are used during the examination.

Among the additional ones, which are not prescribed in all cases, the following can be distinguished:

1. Magnetic resonance imaging. Used to collect more accurate data necessary to determine the type of prostatitis.
2. Urethroscopy. It is used to assess the condition of the urethra and bladder in cases where there is a suspicion of the presence of any infectious diseases.
3. Radiography. When the prostate gland becomes inflamed, the urethra is often affected. To confirm this and assess the severity, retrograde and voiding urethrography is used.
4. Biopsy. This differential diagnosis of BPH and prostatitis allows us to exclude the possibility of cancer. It involves the collection and subsequent analysis of soft tissue cells.

These are, in fact, all the modern laboratory research methods that are prescribed to people who have problems with the functioning of the prostate gland. After an accurate diagnosis has been made and all the data on the pathology present has been collected, the doctor selects the most gentle but effective treatment program.

Chronic prostatitis

In most cases, inflammatory damage to the prostate gland occurs covertly, without any visible clinical manifestations, so people do not even suspect the presence of the disease for a long period of time. Without treatment, the disease continues to progress and develops into an acute form, which already has pronounced symptoms.

Among the most common are the following:

• frequent urge to go to the toilet;
• weak jet pressure;
• pain in the pelvic area and groin;
• burning in the urethra;
• problems with sex life;
• rapid ejaculation;
• sexual dysfunction;
• lack of sexual instinct;
• psychological disorders.

If a person has chronic prostatitis, the diagnosis is standard. The doctor first interviews the patient, then palpates the prostate gland, after which he sends the patient for a general analysis of blood, urine and semen, as well as an ultrasound examination.

It is worth considering that when diagnosing prostatitis, it is better to take tests on an empty stomach so that the data is more accurate.

As a rule, additional methods are not prescribed, since the inflammatory lesion, which occurs in a chronic form, has intense and pronounced symptoms.

Self-diagnosis

How to do it correctly? If you notice clinical manifestations of inflammation of the prostate gland, then it is not at all necessary to immediately run to the hospital, since the diagnosis of prostatitis in men can be carried out independently at home.

Every representative of the strong half of humanity should have an idea about this in order to promptly determine the presence of a pathological process and begin its treatment. Only in this case is there an option to avoid undesirable consequences.

In addition, you will be able to provide the doctor with more detailed information and it will be much easier for him to make an accurate diagnosis.

To determine prostatitis, you need to pay attention to the following signs:

• erectile disfunction;
• frequent urination, which is accompanied by pain and burning;
• discomfort during bowel movements;
• discomfort in the groin area.

If you notice the clinical manifestations listed above, then this is a strong argument in favor of going to the hospital. The thing is that such symptoms are characteristic of many serious diseases of the genitourinary system.

In addition, to make self-diagnosis of prostatitis more accurate, you can do one experiment.

Inflammation of the prostate gland is always accompanied by severe pain, so you can massage it and observe your condition.

In addition, you should pay attention to the color of the urine and the presence of any foreign impurities in it. If it is cloudy, then most likely you have prostatitis.

Basic therapy methods

If the diagnosis of prostatitis confirms the presence of the disease, then it is necessary to begin treatment immediately.

It should be comprehensive and may include the following:

1. Taking medications.
2. Galvanization.
3. Magnetotherapy.
4. Ultrasound therapy.

As for medications, they are selected individually for each patient depending on the form and stage of the pathology, the cause of its development, as well as the intensity of the symptoms. If the disease is not associated with any infections, then the patient is prescribed antibiotics.

The best among them are:

• "Augmentin".
• "Amoxilav".
• "Ampisid."

It is important to understand that drugs in this group, in addition to their healing effect, also have a negative effect on the human body. They kill the intestinal microflora, so to maintain it, it is recommended to combine the use of antibiotics with immunomodulators.

The following injections are considered safer:

• "Ceftazidime";
• "Cefotaxime";
• "Ceftriaxone".

It is worth noting that taking any medications without first consulting a qualified doctor is strictly prohibited. Only candles are allowed for independent use.

They are highly effective for both acute and chronic prostatitis. Moreover, they are completely safe and do not cause any side effects, since they are produced on the basis of herbal ingredients.

The main active ingredient in them is propolis.

It contributes to the following:

• stops bleeding;
• relieves pain;
• suppresses the activity of pathogenic microorganisms;
• removes swelling;
• stimulates regenerative processes of soft tissues;
• improves potency.

To increase the effectiveness of treatment, it is recommended to combine medications, suppositories and physiotherapy. With an integrated approach, the disease can be overcome very quickly and the development of complications can be prevented.

A few words about proper nutrition

Treatment of prostatitis must be combined with a special diet. Doctors advise adhering to the following rules:

1. Eat as much fruit and fresh or boiled vegetables as possible, as well as fish and lean meat.
2. Avoid alcoholic drinks, strong tea and coffee.
3. Cook food with little salt and no spices.
4. Exclude any mushrooms from the menu.

When planning your diet, you should focus on healthy and nutritious foods.

Conclusion

Modern diagnostics of the prostate in men allows us to identify the disease at a very early stage and quickly begin its treatment. But here everything largely depends on the person himself.

Everyone should closely monitor their health, paying attention to any signs of illness. If you have even the slightest suspicion of inflammation of the prostate gland, you should go to the hospital.

If you start treatment right away, the chances of a complete and successful recovery are very high.

Source: https://cureprostate.ru/417265a-diagnostika-prostatita-sovremennyie-metodyi-i-osobennosti-provedeniya

Diagnosis of prostatitis: basic and additional research

• Lab tests
• Basic methods
• At home

• Prostatitis, like many other diseases, is more successfully treated if the disease is diagnosed in the early stages.
• Modern diagnostic methods make it possible to accurately determine the nature of the disease and the degree of pathological changes in the organ and, accordingly, prescribe the most optimal treatment.
• The sooner a man goes to a medical facility, the faster the examination will be completed.
• When the disease is in an advanced state, more thorough diagnosis may be required.
• Why is prostatitis diagnosed?

• identify or exclude a disease;
• determine the causes of pathology;
• determine the type of prostatitis;
• choose optimal treatment methods.

Prostate examinations are carried out sequentially: first, the patient is examined by a urologist, conducts a survey and digital examination of the prostate, and gives the patient a referral for laboratory tests. If necessary, instrumental diagnostics are carried out. Let us consider the mechanism for detecting prostatitis in more detail.

History and data collection

At the initial appointment, the urologist conducts a survey of the patient, from which he learns about complaints about the problem, lifestyle, sexual relations, previous treatment of the patient, etc.

The anamnesis takes into account the following information:

• the duration of the man’s poor health;
• pain and its location;
• urinary disturbance;
• problems of sexual relations;
• the patient’s lifestyle (sedentary work, alcohol abuse, promiscuity, etc.);
• signs of weakened immunity (frequent infections, chronic diseases);
• presence of sexually transmitted diseases;
• information about your sexual partner;
• previous treatment of the genitourinary system.

Based on the compiled clinical picture, the doctor begins a direct study of the prostate using various techniques.

1. Palpation. Palpation examination of the prostate is carried out rectally, through the rectum. By feeling the prostate gland, the doctor determines the following criteria:
   • prostate size - an increase in this indicator may indicate swelling of the tissues characteristic of the inflammatory process;
   • tissue heterogeneity - characterizes inflammation;
   • compactions - may indicate the presence of a tumor, focal formation, abscess;
   • contours - a change in the shape of the prostate characterizes the presence of hyperplasia;
   • soreness - occurs if the organ is inflamed.
2. Laboratory diagnostics. Allows you to identify the nature of inflammation, assess the general health of the patient, determine the causative agent of the disease, and exclude cancer. To clarify these indicators, the patient donates blood, urine, and sperm.
3. Ultrasound examination (ultrasound). It is carried out to visualize the organ in order to determine the size and structure of the gland. For a more accurate diagnosis, the transrectal method (TRUS) is used - an ultrasound device is inserted into the rectum. The examination reveals adhesions, tumors, stones, cystic formations and other abnormalities in the prostate gland.

Additional research methods:

1. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is carried out if, with the basic methods, there are still questions that need to be clarified, the method allows you to determine different types of prostatitis.
2. Urethroscopy. Allows you to examine the urethra and bladder for the presence of genitourinary infections.
3. X-ray examination (retrograde and voiding urethrography). It is carried out to obtain information about the structure of the urethra and identifies disorders that often occur with prostatitis.
4. Biopsy. It is performed to exclude an oncological cause of prostatitis. For this purpose, histological and cytological examination of prostate tissue is carried out.

It is very important to recognize prostatitis in time, so self-assessment of your condition will allow you to see a doctor as early as possible.

The acute form of prostatitis is easy to recognize, since the symptoms arise sharply and acutely: the patient’s body temperature rises, pain occurs when urinating, acute pain in the lower abdomen, groin and rectal area. It is much more difficult to diagnose the chronic form.

Symptoms of chronic prostatitis:

• frequent urge to urinate, weak and intermittent stream;
• nagging pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, groin;
• pain in the genital organ;
• aches, burning in the anus, perineum, testicles;
• sexual dysfunction: lack of libido, premature ejaculation, sexual dysfunction;
• nervous disorders.

Prostatitis: diagnostic methods and what they show

Laboratory research:

• Analysis of urine. Indicators such as leukocytes, proteins, bacteria are studied. If proteins are present in the urine and the number of leukocytes is more than 5 units, then this characterizes the inflammatory process. To identify pathogenic microflora, a bacteriological analysis of urine is performed, which takes into account the number of bacteria per unit volume, since normally several units of bacteria are allowed. Cytological examination reveals epithelial cells, a large number of which can characterize malignant formations.
• Sperm analysis. Allows you to determine the inflammatory or non-inflammatory form of the disease, determine the amount of seminal fluid.
• Urethral swab. It is taken for bacterial culture, as a result, infections that are sexually transmitted are detected.
• Blood test and PSA. An increased level of a prostate-specific agent characterizes inflammatory processes, adenoma and malignant formations. To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor deciphers the analysis, where he identifies certain ratios of free and bound PSA; tracking PSA helps the doctor control the treatment of the inflammatory process.
• Analysis of prostate secretions. Research allows us to identify microflora, lecithin grains, leukocytes, high levels of leukocytes, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms and low levels of lecithin grains characterize pathological processes. If it is not possible to obtain prostate secretion, then the analysis is performed on urine sediment.

Imaging methods:

• Ultrasound and TRUS. To identify prostatitis, diagnostic methods using echography are used first. Ultrasound is performed by visualizing the prostate on a monitor through the abdominal tissue, but this method does not always provide a clear picture, so transrectal examination is more in demand. If the prostate gland is enlarged, this does not always indicate the presence of inflammation - an enlarged prostate can be observed with adenoma. Prostatitis is indicated by unclear and uneven contours of the gland, echo-positive formations, areas with reduced and increased echogenicity.
• MRI. None of the instrumental methods can compare with the accuracy of this study. MRI allows you to determine the contents of the prostate, obtain more complete information about the lymph nodes and testes, the study reveals inflammatory processes and prostate abscess, adenoma, and cancer. This examination method is often prescribed before surgery to clarify the site of surgical intervention.
• Biopsy. If cancer is suspected, if elevated PSA levels are detected after donating blood, the patient is referred for a biopsy. A piece of tissue is collected for examination through a puncture with a hollow needle in the perineum or rectum. Histological examination determines the exact cellular composition of the gland tissue for the presence of cancer; cytological examination examines not the tissue, but cells taken from the surface; it is carried out to identify the early stages of the tumor.

Source: http://prostatitoff.net/diagnostika/

Diagnosis of prostatitis in men in hospital and at home

Diagnosis of prostatitis in men is a multifaceted process. Depending on what complaints the patient came to the urologist with, the research strategy will vary.

In addition, it is possible to diagnose prostatitis at home.

But first, let's start with professional medical diagnostic measures.

General information about diagnostics

In 1995, doctors from all over the world agreed to diagnose prostatitis using 2 studies:

• Microscopy of prostate juice obtained by rectal massage;
• Diagnosis of inflammation of the lower urinary tract.

The very first step in diagnosing prostatitis is taking an anamnesis. Depending on the patient’s complaints, the doctor will prescribe various research measures, including tests.

Features of anamnesis collection

Taking an anamnesis for prostatitis is an important step. All treatment will depend on its effectiveness and accuracy.

It is important to ask the following questions:

• How long does the disease last?
• When did the disease occur and how did the symptoms develop? It is advisable to remember exactly the sequence and all the little details.
• Does the patient have sexually transmitted diseases, or have they ever had them?
• What factors is the patient exposed to in life and at work? Lifestyle, sports.
• Has the patient had prostatitis before? Clarify the presence and regularity of sexual activity.
• If you have a regular sexual partner, did he have any illness? Have you been treated?
• What serious illnesses did the patient suffer? Are there any chronic diseases of the pelvic organs?

In modern urological clinics, special questionnaires with a scoring system are used to collect anamnesis. This is very convenient and allows you to objectively make a preliminary diagnosis.

Rectal examination

What information does the doctor receive as a result of rectal diagnostics?

• Size of the prostate gland and its parts;
• Pain on palpation;
• Consistency (presence of compactions), swelling.

In chronic and acute prostatitis, the prostate is very sensitive and swollen, sometimes pain from pressure radiates to the groin, tailbone and external genitalia.

Normally, palpation of the prostate is painless; during the procedure you need to relax, and before it, do a cleansing microenema.

Prostate secretion smear

Procedure for taking material.

Prostate secretions are collected through rectal stimulation. For patients with prostatitis, the procedure can be painful.

If you go to see a urologist with complaints typical of prostatitis, be sure to prepare by taking a microenema before leaving home. This will make manipulation easier and eliminate possible troubles.

Relax during the massage; there will be a strong desire to go to the toilet - be patient. Different men secrete prostate juice in different ways: in large quantities and in small quantities.

Research, important indicators.

Under low and medium magnification of a microscope, the doctor notes the following parameters in a smear painted with special paint:

• The presence of leukocytes and their number;
• Number of lecithin grains;
• Features of microflora.

The presence of more than three leukocytes indicates inflammation, and bacteria indicate an infectious process inside the prostate. It should be remembered that prostate juice can be contaminated during passage through the urinary tract due to infection.

Correct collection of material and conscientious staining of the smear are the key to successful diagnosis.

Additional Methods

• When diagnosing prostatitis, two studies are not enough, no matter how much we would like.
• Urethral swab.
• This diagnostic measure was introduced to detect concomitant sexually transmitted diseases.
• Dear men, before a smear you need to refrain from urinating for 2-3 hours (the longer the better) so that the local microflora does not undergo emergency evacuation.
• The smear is taken with a special instrument - a disposable narrow swab, which is placed inside the penis to a depth of 3-4 cm to the urethra.
• The more carefully the tampon is rotated inside the urethra, the more accurate the test result will be.

The procedure is very unpleasant and even painful. After this, it is painful for the man to go to the toilet for 24 hours.

1. There are 2 methods for examining a smear: PCR and bacteriological culture.
2. Urine examination.
3. For prostatitis, urine is donated for the following purposes::

• General urinalysis (UCA);
• Bacteriological culture of urine.

The general analysis includes determining the level of protein in the urine, its visual properties and microscopy. With prostatitis, more than 5 leukocytes in one field of view, increased protein content and red blood cells will be found in the urine.

Urine culture is performed if culture from the urethra does not give any results with an obvious clinical picture of prostatitis. The process is lengthy, takes up to 7 days. On average 5.

For bacterial culture, 3 urine samples should be taken, each one should be cultured. This is necessary in order to determine in which part of the urinary tract microorganisms live.

If microbes are found in the first portion, there may have been contamination of material from the external part of the genital organs. If it is in the middle, it means there is an infection in the urinary tract.

In the latter, there is an infection in the bladder. With prostatitis, microflora growth occurs in the second and third crops.

• Sperm analysis.
• In this diagnostic case, the doctor receives information about the health of the sexual function of a patient with prostatitis.
• Significant indicators:

• Physico-chemical parameters of sperm;
• Sperm motility, concentration, agglutination ability and viability.

1. This is an important step in determining prostatitis, as it allows you to determine the degree of damage to the male body.
2. Uroflowmetry.
3. If necessary, additional urine parameters are examined.
4. This diagnostic method allows you to study the process of urination in detail, starting from the pressure of urine inside the tract to the speed of the ureter.

Allows you to determine the degree of inhibition of the urinary system. It is carried out in rare cases.

Cytoscopy of prostate tissue.

This diagnostic method is applicable for special indications, usually to exclude or confirm tumors.

To exclude a malignant tumor process, a parameter such as PCA protein is used. Blood for analysis is taken from a vein.

• Ultrasound.
• Various prostate imaging techniques are often used to diagnose prostate diseases.
• The most common are ultrasound of the abdominal organs, including the prostate, and TRUS - transrectal ultrasound.
• Necessary to clarify the results of a digital rectal examination.
• Allows you to determine the nature of the seals and consistency of the gland.

Diagnosis at home

It is possible to diagnose prostatitis at home. There are many ways.

One of them is based on the symptoms of prostatitis (for this you can find a special medical history questionnaire on the Internet) or follow the list:

1. Frequent painful urination;
2. Pain in the coccyx, perineum, groin;
3. Problems with potency;
4. Pain during bowel movements;
5. You have to constantly push to urinate.

There is another, more objective way to diagnose prostatitis at home, described in the medical literature.

You need to prepare 3 jars and take turns urinating (without stopping) in each of them. Then visually pay attention to the color and turbidity.

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Cloudy urine in the first and third vessels indicates that you have prostatitis. If cloudy urine is only in the first jar, there is an infectious inflammation of the urethra.

Remember, diagnosing prostatitis at home should speed up your trip to the doctor, but in no way help in choosing self-medication!

Source: https://ProstatitMedic.ru/diagnostika.html